The Minnesota Vikings won’t activate tight end T.J. Hockenson for Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, but they expect him back shortly, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
The Vikings’ plan, according to Pelissero, is for Hockenson to be activated from injured reserve on Friday and prepare to make his 2024 season debut in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite initially being questionable for Thursday Night Football, Hockenson was downgraded to out hours before kickoff.
Hockenson, 27, suffered a torn ACL on Christmas Eve last season, in Week 16 against the Lions — exactly 10 months ago Thursday. He’s nine months removed from reconstruction surgery and has practiced on a limited basis since the Vikings opened his three-week practice window on Oct. 4.
In spite of missing the final two games last season, Hockenson set career highs in 2023 in receptions (95) and receiving yards (960), catching five TDs in 15 games (11 starts). Vikings tight ends Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver have played in all six Vikings games this season, combining for 18 catches for 125 yards and two TDs entering Thursday’s game. Robert Tonyan was also elevated from the practice squad to take on the Rams.
